Brazilians choose freedom

Almost 2/3 of Brazilian voters have voted to reject a ban on gun sales. The debate centered on law enforcement that is incapable or unwilling to deal with Brazil’s violent crime problem. Both sides of the debate were given equal TV time on prime-time to make their cases and the pro-gun side went from losing to an overwhelming victory once the facts were out. Sometimes democracy is a grand thing.

With more than 92 percent of the votes counted, 64 percent of Brazilians opposed the ban, while 36 percent backed it, said election officials, giving the ‘no’ position an insurmountable lead.

The proposal would have prohibited the sale of firearms and ammunition except for police, the military, some security guards, gun collectors and sports shooters. It would complement a 2003 disarmament law that sharply restricts who can legally purchase firearms and carry guns in the street.